How Long Does It Take to Recover from Hammertoe Surgery?
Recovery after hammertoe surgery will be a different experience for every patient, and the length of time necessary for a full recovery will often depend on how well you adhere to your doctor's instructions.
Depending on decisions from your surgeon about two weeks after surgery your stitches or sutures can be removed, and if a temporary pin or other device was used, that will generally be removed within three to six weeks.
Hammertoe surgery recovery
Hammertoe surgery recovery time can sometimes take up to six weeks, which is the time period your surgeon may recommend before you will be able to walk for any distance. For traditional hammertoe surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you will need to be off work somewhere between one and four weeks, depending on your job and how quickly you recover.
You may be unable to drive your vehicle for as long as four to six weeks after surgery, and it will be a good idea to consult with your doctor before beginning to drive again. You can shower right away, although your bandage will need to be kept dry. When the bandage is removed, the area should be washed with ordinary warm water and patted dry based on your surgeon’s guidance.
A different approach
In cases where the hammertoe has existed for a sustained period, surgery may be the only option to achieve correction and eliminate pain associated with the contracted toe. Fortunately, treatment options have evolved and the TenoTac® Soft Tissue Fixation System from Paragon 28 was developed to address some of the shortcomings associated with traditional toe surgery such as fusion or soft tissue rebalancing. With traditional surgery, prior to the TenoTac system, correction has been achieved through fusion or soft tissue balancing procedures. These traditional procedures require larger incisions which can lead to post-operative swelling and visible scarring. Fusion procedures realign and fixate the bone in place which can limit mobility post-operatively. Consult with your surgeon to determine the right procedure for you.
The TenoTac system requires two small incisions limiting post-operative scarring and potentially improving the appearance of the toe following the procedure. The system rebalances the soft tissue which runs along the top and bottom of the toe. An implant is introduced to capture the soft tissue and pin it against bone, stabilizing the toe in its corrected position. Most patients can put weight on their surgically corrected foot right after surgery, although your surgeon will determine this and can recommend to allow more recovery time before pushing off on the foot.
Finding a qualified surgeon
You can use this Find a Surgeon link to locate a qualified surgeon near you to contact for an initial consultation and to determine if TenoTac® Soft Tissue Fixation System is right for you.
Important Risk Information
Only a surgeon can tell if the TenoTac® Procedure is right for you. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. Potential risks include but are not limited to infection, discomfort, or swelling due to balancing and introduction of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction. Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
For the contraindications, potential complications and adverse reactions, warnings and precautions associated with this device, please refer to the device specific instructions for use at http://www.paragon28.com/ifus.
For additional information on Paragon 28® and its products please visit www.paragon28.com.
References
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zu2053
